Former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson has ignited a fierce debate online after revealing a strict personal rule followed by his ex-college coach, as the University of Michigan reels from the dramatic firing and arrest of head coach Sherrone Moore.
A Controversial 'Guard Rail' in the Spotlight
Watson, a 44-year-old Super Bowl winner, took to social media platform X in the aftermath of the Michigan scandal to share the policy of his former University of Georgia head coach, Mark Richt. The rule dictated that Richt would never be alone with a woman, "not even in an elevator."
"Some people thought it was weird, unnecessary or overly pious," Watson wrote. He explained that while he didn't grasp the reasoning as a young athlete, his perspective has changed. "He considered it a guard rail for himself to honour his wife, his faith and his responsibility to everyone in the building," Watson continued. "As a grown man, I get it. And I’m grateful."
The comment relates to the well-known 'Billy Graham Rule', a principle advising married men to avoid solo situations with women other than their spouses to prevent any appearance of misconduct.
Chaos at Michigan: Firing and Arrest
Watson's post followed a chaotic week for the Wolverines' football programme. The university fired 39-year-old head coach Sherrone Moore last week after an internal investigation uncovered an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member.
The situation escalated dramatically when Moore, a married father-of-three, was arrested hours later. Prosecutors allege he entered his executive assistant's apartment uninvited, engaged in a terrifying verbal argument, and threatened to harm himself with household items.
"I'm going to kill myself," Moore allegedly told the woman, according to assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski. "I'm going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life."
Moore faces charges of breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking. He was granted a $25,000 bond, ordered to wear a GPS monitor, and must continue mental health treatment. His next court date is set for 22 January.
A Nation Divided Over the 'Rule'
While Watson expressed gratitude for the principle, social media reaction was sharply split. Many users condemned the idea as outdated and insulting.
"Pathetic is what this is. Grow up," wrote one critic. Another added, "lol. Amazing that you can’t control yourself enough to be alone with someone and respect boundaries."
Others, however, defended the practice as a prudent safeguard. "I managed hundreds of employees for years and followed this," one user stated. "All men should follow this at work especially if you are in a management role like a coach."
The scandal unfolded after a tipster alerted Michigan officials in mid-October about Moore's alleged relationship. An initial investigation found no evidence, but the university hired an outside law firm to dig deeper. The woman involved, reportedly executive assistant Paige Shiver, later changed her story, confessing to a two-year relationship that ended in 2024, leading to Moore's immediate dismissal.
University President Domenico Grasso was unequivocal in a school-wide letter. "There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None," he wrote, emphasising the institution's "staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity and accountability."
The case has thrown a spotlight on power dynamics, personal conduct, and the extreme measures some believe are necessary to maintain professional boundaries in high-pressure environments like collegiate sports.
